Method for Controlling a Wind Turbine

ABSTRACT

A wind turbine is disclosed. The wind turbine includes comprising an inflatable portion comprising one or more blades and a device for rotatably driving the inflatable portion at a predetermined rate for a predetermined time.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/524,286, filed Oct. 27, 2014 and entitled Methodfor Controlling Wind Turbine, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,488,158, issued Nov.8, 2016 (Attorney Docket No. P14), which is a Continuation Applicationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/039,640, filed Mar. 3, 2011 andentitled Wind Turbine Apparatus, Systems and Methods, now U.S. Pat. No.8,872,375, issued Oct. 28, 2014 (Attorney Docket No. 157) which is aNon-provisional Application which claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/310,940, filed Mar. 5, 2010 and entitledInflatable Wind Turbine (Attorney Docket No. 103), all of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to wind turbines and more particularly,to wind turbines and systems and methods for wind turbines.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A wind turbine is a device which converts the energy of wind intoelectrical energy. This method of generating electrical power may bebeneficial to the environment for many reasons, including, but notlimited to, that it consumes from a small amount to no fuel and emitsfrom a small amount to no air pollution, unlike many fossil fuel powersources. One type of wind turbine is a horizontal axis wind turbine.These types of turbines typically include a main rotor shaft with largeblades and electrical generator at the top of a tower. To turn theblades, the rotor may be pointed into the wind.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a wind turbineis disclosed. The wind turbine includes one or more of the embodimentsdescribed herein.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a wind turbineis disclosed. The wind turbine includes a vertical axis inflatable sail.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a control systemfor a wind turbine is disclosed.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a wind turbineis disclosed. The wind turbine includes comprising an inflatable portioncomprising one or more blades and a device for rotably and/or rotatablydriving the inflatable portion at a predetermined rate for apredetermined time.

Some embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include one or moreof the following. Wherein the inflatable portion comprising one or moreseparately inflatable sections. Wherein the wind turbine furtherincludes a display system comprising a plurality of light emittingdiodes. Wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes is powered byenergy generated by the wind turbine. Wherein the wind turbine furtherincludes a control system configured to control the inflation anddeflation of the inflatable portion. Wherein the control system furtherconfigured to command the device to rotatably drive the inflatableportion based on wind speed. Wherein the control system furtherconfigured to command the device to rotatably drive the inflatableportion based on temperature. Wherein the control system furtherconfigured to rotatably drive the inflatable portion based on weatherconditions. Wherein the wind turbine further includes a hydraulic brakesystem wherein the hydraulic brake system is a fail safe brake system.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a wind turbinesystem is disclosed. The system includes a wind turbine including aninflatable portion comprising one or more blades and a device connectedto the inflatable portion. The device for rotatably driving theinflatable portion at a predetermined rate for a predetermined time. Thesystem also includes a mobile transportation unit connected to thedevice.

Some embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include one or moreof the following. Wherein the inflatable portion comprising and one ormore separately inflatable sections. Wherein the system further includesa display system comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes.Wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes is powered by energygenerated by the wind turbine. Wherein the mobile transportation unitcomprising one or more batteries and the one or more batteries receiveenergy input from the wind turbine. Wherein the system further includesa control system configured to control the inflation and deflation ofthe inflatable portion. Wherein the system further includes a controlsystem configured to command the device to rotatably drive theinflatable portion based on wind speed. Wherein the control systemfurther configured to command the device to rotatably drive theinflatable portion based on temperature. Wherein the control systemfurther configured to command the device to rotatably drive theinflatable portion based on weather conditions. Wherein the systemfurther includes a hydraulic brake system wherein the hydraulic brakesystem is a fail safe brake system.

These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive and otherfeatures, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will bereadily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read inconjunction with the appended claims and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will bebetter understood by reading the following detailed description, takentogether with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view of one embodiment of an inflatable vertical axis windturbine sail;

FIG. 2 is a view of one embodiment of an inflatable vertical axis windturbine sail;

FIG. 3 is a view of one embodiment of an inflatable vertical axis windturbine sail;

FIG. 4 is a view of one embodiment of an inflatable vertical axis windturbine sail;

FIG. 5 is a view of one embodiment of a transmission;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a transmission;

FIG. 7 is a view of one embodiment of a transmission;

FIG. 8 is a view of one embodiment of a brake;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a transmission;

FIG. 10 is a view of one embodiment of a transmission on a platform;

FIG. 11 is a view of one embodiment of a transmission on a platform;

FIG. 12A is a block diagram of one embodiment of an inflatable verticalaxis wind turbine and a control system for the inflatable vertical axiswind turbine having subcomponents shown in FIGS. 12B-12O;

FIGS. 12B-12O each show a subcomponent of the inflatable vertical axiswind turbine and a control system of FIG. 12A.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are views of one embodiment of a vertical axis windturbine; and

FIG. 14 is a diagram of one embodiment of a display system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments include a wind turbine system including aninflatable portion which may include an inflatable rotor portion. Aninflatable rotor, also referred to as an inflatable sail, imparts manyadvantages onto the system, which may include, but are not limited to,one or more of the following. The inflatable sail may be inflated and/ordeflated using a control system. This makes installation of the systemeasier than conventional wind turbines, as well, the system may beeasily transported and/or relocated. In some embodiments, the inflatablesail may be connected to a platen which may be attached to a motorvehicle and/or movable trailer and/or a moveable vehicle. In someembodiments, the system may be attached to a flat bed portion of a truckwhich may increase the ease of transport.

Transporting and/or moving a wind turbine may be advantageous for manyreasons, including, but not limited to, the ability to move the windturbine based on weather patterns and/or predictions. Thus, where aconventional wind turbine is installed in a particular location andrelocation is a highly involved process, where the particular locationof install experiences low wind and/or inadequate wind for energygeneration and/or preferring amount of energy generation, and/orexperiences weather that may be harmful to the wind turbine, that windturbine may fail to meet a predetermined need and/or be harmed by theweather. However, in various embodiments of an inflatable sail windturbine, the inflatable sail wind turbine, experiencing non-optimalweather conditions, may be moved/relocated to an area with morebeneficial weather conditions and/or safer weather conditions.

Various embodiments of the inflatable sail wind turbine may additionallypresent advantages in that the sail is light weight. Thus, the sail maybe turned more easily by the wind. As well, the inflatable sail windturbine may be installed in various locations that a heavier and/orlarger conventional wind turbine may not, for example, but not limitedto, on the roof of buildings. In some embodiments, the inflatable sailwind turbine may, in addition to an energy generation device, serve asan advertisement and/or billboard device. As discussed in more detailbelow, in some embodiments, the inflatable sail wind turbine may includeone or more display systems which may include graphics and/or textand/or images. In some embodiments, these display systems may includelight emitting diodes (LEDs), however, in some embodiments, the displaysystem may include screen printed displays. In some embodiments, theinflatable sail wind turbine may generate sufficient energy to power thedisplay systems. In some embodiments, the inflatable sail may include agraphic and/or text screen printed onto the sail.

In some embodiments of the inflatable sail wind turbine, the system maydetermine inflate and deflate commands based on one or more, but notlimited to, the following: wind speed, wind direction, temperature,and/or weather predictions. On board anemometer and wind vanes mayprovide data related to wind speed and wind direction respectively. Insome embodiments, temperature may be used to calibrate the anemometer.In various embodiments, inflation of the inflatable sail may beaccomplished using a blower, which, in some embodiments, may be anregenerative blower. Pressure sensors may be used by a control system tomonitor the air pressure in the sail and determine whether additionalair should be added (inflation) or air should be removed (deflation). Insome embodiments, the control system may use predetermined thresholds todetermine whether to inflate and/or deflate. Again, the control systemmay use the weather conditions and/or prediction in the control schemefor determining whether to inflate and/or deflate. In some embodiments,the system includes at least one back pressure regulator. In someembodiments the back pressure regulator may include a preset pressurethreshold. In some embodiments, where the pressure exceeds thethreshold, the system will vent to atmosphere. This method and systemmay be used to prevent popping of the inflated sail.

In some embodiments, the system may include an air compressor. In someembodiments, the system may use an air compressor from a nearbybuilding, for example, from a building in which the inflatable sail windturbine is installed on the roof.

In some embodiments, the system may include a hydraulic brake system.The hydraulic brake, in some embodiments, may be powered by a hydraulicpower unit. Thus, in some embodiments, the brake system includes apressurized hydraulic brake. In some embodiments, where power is notlonger powering the solenoids in the brake system (which control thecalipers, for example), the brake is actuated and thus the turbine stopsspinning. In some embodiments, the system includes at least one brakepressure sensor. This brake pressure sensor may send pressure data tothe control system and the control system may use this data to determinewhether the solenoid is on and whether the system has sufficientpressure to mechanically release the brake. Thus, this design mayprevent destruction of the transmission. Thus, in some embodiments, thesystem includes a fail safe braking system.

Some embodiments of the system include a measurement of the torque onthe transmission using a strain gauge/load cell. The strain gauge/loadcell communicates information regarding the torque on the transmissionto the controller. Additionally, the system may measure the RPM of theturbine using a resolver on the motor (“motor resolver”). Thus, themotor resolver communicates information relating to RPM to thecontroller. Thus, the controller receives information regarding torqueand RPM and therefore may calculate/computer/measure the powergeneration of the wind turbine system.

In some embodiments of the system, the controller determines whether toturn the inflatable sail using power as a function of at least the windspeed. Thus, the wind turbine in some embodiments of the system may turnusing both wind energy and power from the system. The amount of powerand the speed the controller commands the sail to turn may be determinedusing one or more inputs, which may include, but is not limited to, windspeed, wind direction, weather patterns, current weather, weatherpredictions and/or temperature. In some embodiments, the system includesa 24V power supply, however, in various embodiments, the power supplymay vary.

In some embodiments, the energy generated by the inflatable sail windturbine may be used to power one or more system, which may include, butare not limited to, the display system and/or the wind turbine itself.In some embodiments, the energy generated may be used to cool the system(shunt cooling system) and/or to heat water by circulating water throughthe system to dissipate the power the wind turbine is generating.

In various embodiments, the system includes a communication system whichmay include a wireless router in some embodiments. The communicationsystem may be used in some embodiment for remote data collection, remotecontrol of the system and/or web cam to determine current weather and/orstatus of the system. Thus, in some embodiments, the system includescomplete remote control and data logging. In some embodiments, thesystem may be run at an optimal level using inputs which include, butare not limited to, wind speed, temperature, power output of the systemby load cell/RPM and/or pure power output, and in some embodiments,using this information, the system may allow the sail to change RPM toattain an optimal/peak power level. In some embodiments, the system maydetermine the peak power at various wind speeds.

Various embodiments of the system include a method for self-starting thewind turbine. In some embodiments, using input, for example, wind speed,the control system may determine whether to turn the rotor/sail and/orto allow only the wind to turn the rotor/sail. In some embodiments, thesystem may use input from at least one pressure sensor to determinewhether to power on the system. In various embodiments, the system mayuse historical data to determine the most optimal conditions for turningthe power on to the rotor/sail and/or when to start turning therotor/sail using the power from the system. The system may turn therotor/sail at any RPM desirable, therefore, using historical data todetermine the optimal time and the optimal RPM may improve and/oroptimize the overall power generation of the system.

In some embodiments, the system may be powered using rechargeable powersources, e.g., batteries. In some embodiment, the rechargeable powersources may be recharged by the energy generated by the wind turbine. Insome embodiments, the wind turbine may be electrically connected/inelectrical communication with another device/apparatus which mayinclude, but is not limited to, an electric vehicle. In someembodiments, a vehicle and/or trailer in which the wind turbine isconnected may include one or more rechargeable batteries which may powerone or more device, including, but not limited to, the engine, and theseone or more rechargeable batteries may be charged by the energygenerated by the inflatable sail wind turbine system. However, invarious embodiments, the energy generated by the inflatable sail windturbine may be used to power any device/system/apparatus.

Described herein is wind turbine including an inflatable portion. Insome embodiments, described herein is a vertical axis wind turbineincluding an inflatable portion which may be, in some embodiments, aninflatable rotor, which may be termed for purposes of this disclosure,an inflatable sail. Although various embodiments of the sail aredisclosed herein, other embodiments are contemplated. The sail may haveany number of blades. Further, the sail may include one or moreseparately inflatable sections. Also, within each of the one of moresections of the sail, the sail may include one or more inflatablebladders or sub-sections. The one or more inflatable bladders may be anyshape, size or orientation, including, but not limited to, horizontal,vertical, diagonal, rectangular, round and square.

As discussed below, the wind turbine includes a control system. Althoughvarious embodiments are described below, these are exemplary embodimentsserving as examples of a wind turbine control system as it may be usedwith respect to an inflatable vertical axis wind turbine. However, inother embodiments, one or more embodiments of one or more components ofthe control system described herein may be used to control one or morehorizontal axis wind turbines. Thus, the scope of the disclosure may notbe limited to vertical axis wind turbines.

As described in the various embodiments below, the exemplary embodimentof the vertical axis wind turbine includes an inflatable sail. In someembodiments, the inflatable sail may be connected to and/or mounted toand/or attached to a device which rotatably drives the sail at apredetermined rate for a predetermined time. In some embodiments, atimer may be included and in some embodiments, the timer may rotatablydrive the sail at a predetermined rate during predetermined hours onpredetermined days, e.g., at 10 RPM from 7 am-10 pm Monday throughFriday and/or from 9 am-11 pm Saturday and Sunday, however, these aremere examples, any schedule may be preset and/or any predeterminedschedule may be used. In other embodiments, the device may rotatablydrive the sail at a minimal/threshold rate, and this drive may ceaseonce a control system determines that there is enough wind to drive thesail at or above the minimum/predetermined rate. The minimum rate may bepreprogrammed and may be changed using the control system. In someembodiments, during those hours when the sail is not being activelydriven at a predetermined rate, the sail may be driven by the wind. And,in some embodiments, during this time, the wind energy may be used tocharge a power source that drives the sail. In other embodiments, duringthose hours when the sail is not being actively driven at apredetermined rate, the sail may be deflated.

In other embodiments, and in some modes, the sail may be driven at apredetermined rate without regard for wind speed. The drive may bepowered by one or more batteries, which may/may not be charged by thewind turbine. In some embodiments, the drive may be powered by electricpower available from the grid. In some embodiments, the drive may bepowered by a battery that may be charged through any means, including,but not limited to, one or more of the following: wind, solar, gridelectric power, and steam.

In some embodiments, the control system or system controller maywirelessly communicate with a remote machine through one or more modesof wireless communications including, but not limited to, internet andcell. Thus, the wind turbine system controller may be controlled and/ormonitored from a remote location. The system controller/control systemmay be programmed with one or more various algorithms that may respondto one or more inputs, including, but not limited to, one or more of thesensors on the wind turbine, weather reports, weather forecasts, andsatellite weather images. The input parameters, the processing of thoseinput parameters and the output commands may, in some embodiments, bechanged and thus, the control system may be changed remotely.Additionally, the controls system may be located in a controls centerwhich may control one or more wind turbines. For each wind turbine, thealgorithms may be different, or the same, and may be altered or changedeither separately or together. In some embodiments, updated controlssoftware may be uploaded to a controls server which controls one or morewind turbines. A centralized system for controlling wind turbines may bebeneficial for one or more reasons. In some embodiments, the controlsystem may include algorithms to detect trends which may be fed into thecontrols. In some embodiments, the control system may perform a numberof start-up tests to determine optimal speed ratios including, but notlimited to, optimal tip speed ratios. With respect to sensors andinputs, the control system may receive input signals which may beassociated with, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:wind speed, wind direction, wind density/air density, air pressure, andtemperature. In some embodiments, the control system may control the RPMof the sail to reach an optimal peak power level. As the peak powerlevel may vary depending on one or more factors, peak power RPM may bedetermined through start-up testing and may be saved such that thesystem may recognize the same pattern in the future. In some embodiment,where a pattern is not recognized by the control system, the system mayperform a number of tests during that pattern to determine one or morepeak performance ratios/values.

In some embodiments, the sail may include one or more advertisementsand/or messages. In some embodiments, two or more wind turbines may belinked together in the same location and synchronized with respect torotations per minute.

In some embodiments, the wind turbine may be connected to a building, ageological feature, for example, a hill top and/or a rock formation.However, in some embodiments, the wind turbine may be mobile. As shownand described herein, in some embodiments, the wind turbine may beconnected to a truck or a trailer. Thus, the wind turbine may be fullyportable. Further, in some embodiments, the energy generated by the windturbine may be used to charge one or more batteries on the truck ortrailer and in turn, these one or more batteries on the truck or trailermay be used to charge another battery, e.g., a car battery. In someembodiments, the truck and/or trailer battery may be charged by the windturbine.

Inflatable Sail

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an inflatable vertical axiswind turbine sail is shown. In one embodiment, the inflatable verticalaxis wind turbine sail may be comprised of an inflatable mast 100 and atleast two inflatable blades 101 coupled to the mast 100. Although two(2) inflatable blades may be used, in some embodiments three (3)inflatable blades may be used. However, in other embodiments, more than3 or less than 2 blades may be used. Additional blades may be desirablein some embodiments due to the increased support the inflatable bladesmay provide the inflatable mast. In some embodiments, the inflatablevertical axis wind turbine sail may be shaped like a drag-type windturbine such as, but not limited to, a Savonius rotor. In suchembodiments, the mast 100 may be a conical shape. The conically-shapedmast may have an approximate diameter of two (2) feet at the top andfive (5) feet at the bottom and a height of approximately twelve (12)feet. Further, in such embodiments, the blades 101 may have a diameterof twelve (12) feet. In another embodiment, the mast 100 and the blades101 may be made from a fabric such as, but not limited to, polyethyleneterephtalate fabric. In some embodiments, other materials may be used tomake the mast and blades. In such embodiments, the polyethyleneterephtalate fabric may be sewn to divide the blades 101 into aplurality of cells 106. Further, in such embodiments, a bladder (notshown) may be inserted inside each cell 106 in the blade 101 and insidethe mast 100 to hold pressurized gas/air. In some embodiments, thebladder may be made of urethane. In some embodiments, other materialsmay be used to make the bladder including, but not limited to, anymaterial that may hold gas/air, which may include, but is not limitedto, one or more of the following: PVC/vinyl, Mylar, and/or polyethylene.In some embodiments, bladder material, for example, urethane may belaminated to the sail material, which may include, but is not limitedto, nylon.

In some embodiments, a fitting 105 may be coupled to each bladder toallow air to be pumped into and released from the bladder. In someembodiments, it may be desirable to fill the bladders at the top topromote even filling of the bladder. In some embodiments, it may bedesirable to provide foam supports at the top of the bladder to promoteeven filling of the bladder. Zippers 108 may be placed in the fabric toallow for access to the bladders. In some embodiments, the bladders maybe suspended within the cells 106 and mast 100 by tying the bladder tothe fabric at the top of the cell 106 and by tying the bladder to thefabric at the top of the mast 100. In some embodiments, the mast 100 andblades 101 may be made out of nylon fabric that has been sealed to beair tight. The mast 100 may be coupled a platen 104. In someembodiments, the mast 100 may include nylon webbing 102 sewn into thefabric. In some embodiments, clevis fasteners 103 may be bolted into theplaten 104. The clevis fasteners 103 may then be coupled to the nylonwebbing with a pin 107.

Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the inflatable vertical axiswind turbine sail may include inflatable supports 200 configured to forma tripod and at least two inflatable blades, for example, blades 201coupled to the supports. The tripod may have openings 202 which wouldallow wind to vent through the center of the sail and duct the windbetween the downwind and upwind blades, thereby reducing drag on theupwind blades and improving the efficiency of the inflatable verticalaxis wind turbine sail. In one embodiment, the inflatable supports 200and the blades 201 may be made from a fabric such as, but not limitedto, polyethylene terephtalate fabric. In some embodiments, othermaterials may be used to make the inflatable supports and blades. Insuch embodiments, the polyethylene terephtalate fabric may be sewn todivide the blades 201 into a plurality of cells 203. Further, in suchembodiments, a bladder (not shown) may be inserted inside each cell 203in the blade 201 and the supports 200 to hold pressurized air. Thebladder may be made of urethane. In some embodiments, other materialsmay be used to make the bladder. A fitting 204 may be coupled to eachbladder to allow air to be pumped into and released from the bladder. Insome embodiments, it may be desirable to fill the bladders at the top topromote even filling of the bladder. In some embodiments, it may bedesirable to provide foam supports at the top of the bladder to promoteeven filling of the bladder. Zippers 205 may be placed in the fabric toallow for access to the bladders. However, in other embodiments, variousmechanisms other than zippers may be used. The bladders may be suspendedwithin the cells 203 and supports 200 by tying the bladder to the fabricat the top of the cells 203 and by tying the bladder to the fabric atthe top of the supports 200. Alternatively, the supports 200 and blades201 may be made out of nylon fabric that has been sealed to be airtight. The supports 200 may be coupled a platen 104.

Referring to FIG. 3, rigid supports 310 may be attached to the mast 300to prevent buckling. The rigid supports 310 may be aligned eithervertically (shown) or horizontally (not shown) on the mast 300. Further,in some embodiments, rigid supports 309 may be attached to the blades301 to prevent buckling of the blades. The rigid supports 309 may bealigned either vertically (not shown) or horizontally (shown) on themast 300. In such embodiments, the mast 300 and the blades 301 may bemade from a fabric such as, but not limited to, polyethyleneterephtalate fabric. In some embodiments, other materials may be used tomake the mast and blades. In such embodiments, the polyethyleneterephtalate fabric may be sewn to divide the blades 301 into aplurality of cells 306. Further, in such embodiments, a bladder (notshown) may be inserted inside each cell 306 in the blade 301 and themast 300 to hold pressurized air. The bladder may be made of urethane.In some embodiments, other materials may be used to make the bladder. Afitting 305 may be coupled to each bladder to allow air to be pumpedinto and released from the bladder. In some embodiments, it may bedesirable to fill the bladders at the top to promote even filling of thebladder. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide foamsupports at the top of the bladder to promote even filling of thebladder. Zippers 308 may be placed in the fabric to allow for access tothe bladders. The bladders may be suspended within the cells 306 andmast 300 by tying the bladder to the fabric at the top of the cell 306and by tying the bladder to the fabric at the top of the mast 300.Alternatively, the mast 300 and blades 301 may be made out of nylonfabric that has been sealed to be air tight. The mast 300 may be coupleda platen 104. In one embodiment, the mast 300 may have nylon webbing 302sewn into the fabric. Clevis fasteners 103 may be bolted into the platen104. The clevis fasteners 103 may then be coupled to the nylon webbingwith a pin 107.

Referring to FIG. 4, the inflatable vertical axis wind turbine sail maybe comprised of an inflatable mast 400, a base section 401, a topsection 402, and at least two inflatable blades 403 coupled to the mast400, base section 401 and the top section 402, wherein the mast 400connects to the top section 402 at the first end of the mast 400 andconnects to the base section 401 at the second end of the mast 400. Theblades may be comprised of inflatable channels 404 with fabric sections405 extending between the each channel 404. In one embodiment, thechannels 404 in the blades are in fluid communication with the mast 401,so that air may be pumped into the mast and then flow into the channels.In another embodiment, the mast 400 and the blades 401 may be made froma fabric such as, but not limited to, polyethylene terephtalate fabric.In some embodiments, other materials may be used to make the mast andthe blades. In such embodiments, a bladder (not shown) may be insertedinside each channel 404 in the blade 401 and inside the mast 400 to holdpressurized air. The bladder may be made of urethane. In someembodiments, other materials may be used to make the bladder.Alternatively, the mast 400 and blades 401 may be made out of nylonfabric that has been sealed to be air tight. The base section 401 may becoupled a platen (not shown, shown as 104 in FIG. 1).

Transmission

Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view of a transmission is shown. Insome embodiments, the platen 104 may be coupled to the main shaft 501 ofthe transmission 502. In such embodiment, clevis fasteners 103 may beused to attach the inflatable vertical axis wind turbine sail (notshown, shown in FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4, and as 1200 in FIG. 12E) to the platen104. In another embodiment, a brake disk 504 may be coupled to the mainshaft 501. Support legs 505 may be attached to the transmission 502.Inspection ports 506 may be included on the transmission 502 to allowthe internal components of the transmission 502 to be viewed from theoutside.

Referring to FIG. 6, an internal view of the transmission 502 is shown.The main shaft 501 may be coupled to a first stage drive gear 600. Themain shaft 501 may also be rotatably coupled to the transmission case607. Bearings 608, supported by a bearing mount 609, may be used toallow the main shaft 501 to rotate in the transmission case 607. Thefirst stage drive gear 600 may be engaged with a pinion gear 601 whichmay be coupled to the first end of a pinion shaft 602. A second stagedrive gear 603 may be coupled to the second end of the pinion shaft 602.The pinion shaft 602 may be rotatably coupled to the transmission caseusing bearings 608. In one embodiments, the second stage drive gear 603may be engaged with a pulley 605 coupled to a motor 606. In someembodiments, it may be desirable for the motor 606 to be avariable-speed, high-efficiency brushless permanent magnet motor suchas, but not limited to, an industrial servo motor. In some embodiments,a belt 604 may be used to connect the second stage drive gear 603 to thepulley 605. As incident winds contacts the blades of the inflatablevertical axis wind turbine sail, the inflatable vertical axis windturbine sail may rotate about the longitudinal axis of the mast. Sincethe mast may be coupled to the platen 104 which may be coupled to themain shaft 501, the main shaft 501 may rotate about its longitudinalaxis and drive the first stage drive gear 600. In some embodiments, itmay be desirable for the first stage drive gear 600 to be larger thanthe pinion gear 601, in order to convert the slower rotation of theblades into a quicker rotation that may be capable of driving the motor606 and producing electricity.

In some embodiments, an oil pump 609 may be coupled to the transmissioncase 607 via a feedthrough 611 and configured to transmit oil to thebearing 608. The oil pump 609 may be coupled to fittings (not shown) onthe main shaft bearings 608 via tubes (not shown). Oil may be pumpedthrough the tubes and into the transmission 502. A chain sprocket 610may be coupled to the oil pump 609 and drives the oil pump 609. The oilmay flow down the bearings 608, main shaft 501, and gears and collect atthe bottom of the transmission 502. The oil may then flow throughfittings (not shown) in the bottom of the transmission 502 into acollection tank (not shown) where it may be pumped back into thetransmission 502. In further embodiments, a pneumatic rotary joint 612may be coupled to the transmission case 607 and the main shaft 501. Inanother embodiment, a blower (not shown, shown as 1207 in FIG. 12C) maybe connected to the pneumatic rotary joint 612. Air may be pumpedthrough the main shaft 501 and into tubes that connect from the mainshaft 501 to the fittings on the inflatable vertical axis wind turbinesail and mast so that the inflatable sail may be inflated. In yetanother embodiment, valves connected in-line with the blower may beopened to deflate inflatable sail. In yet further embodiments, anelectric rotary joint 613 may be coupled to the transmission case 607and the main shaft 501. The electric rotary joint may be used to provideelectricity to components such as, but not limited to, sensors, motors,strain gauges, or lighting on the inflatable vertical axis wind turbine.

Referring to FIG. 7, a perspective view of the transmission is shown. Inone embodiment, a motor plate 700 may be coupled to the pinion shaft602. In such embodiments, the motor plate 700 may be able to rotateabout the longitudinal axis of the pinion shaft 602. The motor 605 maybe coupled to the motor plate 700. In yet another embodiment, a bracket701 may be coupled to the transmission 502. A strain gauge 702 may becoupled between the motor plate 700 and the bracket 701. As such whenthe pinion shaft 602 rotates, the motor plate 700 may experience thesame torque as the pinion shaft 602. The torque on the motor plate 700may cause it to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the pinion shaft602. This force may be measured by the strain gauge 702 and may be usedto compute the torque produced by the transmission 502. In someembodiments, this means of measuring the torque may be desirable, sinceit may be relatively inexpensive, since it may require fewer parts thanother means of measuring torque. Moreover, since the strain gauge may beoutside the transmission and not coupled directly to the main shaft, thestrain gauge may be easily replaced if parts fail. Measuring the torqueprior to the motor 606 also eliminates the need to assess the effects ofthe inefficiencies of the motor in the mechanical power computations forthe inflatable vertical axis wind turbine. Note that this does notpreclude the used of other methods of measuring torque such as, but notlimited to, using strain gauges coupled directly to the main shaft orusing pressure sensors coupled between the gears to measure the forcebetween the teeth of the gears.

Referring to FIG. 8, a bottom view of the transmission is shown. In oneembodiment, a bracket 800 may coupled to the pneumatic rotary joint 612and electrical rotary joint 613 to keep the pneumatic rotary joint 612and electrical rotary joint 613 stationary while the main shaft 501 maybe rotating. The bracket 800 may be coupled to the pneumatic rotaryjoint 612 and electrical rotary joint 613 via a threaded rod 801. Thebracket 800 may also be coupled to the transmission casing 507.

Referring to FIG. 9, a cross section of the brake disk 504 and mainshaft 501 are shown. In other embodiments, a hydraulic caliper brake 900may be provided to control the speed of the main shaft. The hydrauliccaliper brake 900 may be coupled to an air compressor (not shown, shownas 1219 in FIG. 12G) and held open or closed by compressed air. However,the hydraulic caliper brake 900 may also be coupled to a hydraulic powerunit 1222 (not shown, shown as 1222 in FIG. 12H). Therefore, the brake900 may be actuated by the air compressor 1219 and/or the hydraulicpower unit 1222. In other embodiments, the brake 900 may be actuated byan electronic actuator. A solenoid valve (not shown, shown as 1220 inFIG. 12G) may be used to regulate the air pressure from the aircompressor. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to have thehydraulic caliper brake 900 configured to be in the closed position whenthe solenoid valve is closed (or in other words the brake may be held inthe open position by the compressed air when the solenoid is opened), sothat if power is lost to the solenoid valve when the system is running,the hydraulic caliper brake 900 may engage the brake disk 504 and stopthe main shaft 501. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to have thebrake disc 504 and hydraulic caliper brake 900 located on the main shaft501. If, for example, the hydraulic caliper brake was located on themotor and the belt connecting the second stages drive gear and thepulley were to fail, then the hydraulic caliper brake would no longer beable to stop the inflatable vertical axis wind turbine sail. By placingthe brake disc 504 on the main shaft 501, the main shaft 501 may bestopped, regardless of whether other components such as gears or beltshave failed. Note that this does not limit the use of the hydrauliccaliper brake to only the main shaft and the hydraulic caliper brake maybe used at other locations on the transmission or on the motor.

Mobile Transportation

Referring to FIG. 10, the transmission 502 may be coupled to a platform1000. In some embodiments, the platform may be the frame of a vehiclesuch as, but not limited to, a truck. Alternatively, the platform may bethe frame of a trailer. To support and stabilize the platform,outriggers 1001 may be coupled to the 1000 platform. In someembodiments, it may be desirable to have adjustable platform legs 1002coupled to the outriggers to increase the stability of the platform1000. Leg supports 505 on the transmission 502 may be coupled to theplatform. Alternatively the leg supports 505 may be coupled to theoutriggers 1001. Referring to FIG. 11, the outriggers 1001 may bedirectly coupled to the frame 1100 of the platform 1000.

Control System

Referring to FIG. 12B-O, an inflatable vertical axis wind turbine and asystem for controlling the inflatable vertical axis wind turbine isprovided. In one embodiment, the inflatable vertical axis wind turbine1200 may be rotatably coupled to a transmission 1201. A load cell 1202may coupled to the transmission and configured to measure the torqueoutput of the transmission and send the torque measurement data to thesystem controller 1203. The system controller may be a cRIO controllermade by National Instrument, Inc. A strain gauge amplifier 1229 may beused to amplify the signal sent from the load cell 1202 to the systemcontroller. The transmission 1201 may also be rotatably coupled to abrushless permanent magnet motor 1204. As incident winds contact theblades of the inflatable vertical axis wind turbine 1200, the inflatablevertical axis wind turbine 1200 rotates. Since the inflatable verticalaxis wind turbine 1200 may coupled to the transmission 1201 which inturn may be coupled to the motor, the rotation of the inflatablevertical axis wind turbine 1200 may drive the brushless permanent magnetmotor 1204 which produces electricity.

A pneumatic rotary joint 1205 may be coupled to the transmission 1201.In another embodiment, a blower 1207 may be connected to the pneumaticrotary joint 1205. Air may be pumped through the pneumatic rotary joint1205 and into the inflatable vertical axis wind turbine 1200. The airmay be regulated by inline solenoid valves 1208, based on pressurereadings from a blower pressure sensor 1209 and pressures sensors forthe inflatable vertical axis wind turbine 1200. In one embodiment, theblower 1207 provides air to the blades and the mast of the inflatablevertical axis wind turbine 1200. The solenoid valves 1208 may becontrolled via the system controller 1203 to fill the blades and themast at different pressures with different solenoid valves 1208 tocontrol air flow into each. In such embodiments, the system controller1203 may be programmed to fill the mast with air first and then fill theblades. Alternatively, the system controller 1203 may be programmed tofill the mast and the blades simultaneously. In another embodiment, theblades and the mast may be filled to the same pressures. A heater 1211may be provided to heat the enclosure housing, i.e., the housing for thepneumatics/hydraulics system. The heater 1211, in some embodiments,heats the solenoids 1208, 1212 and 1220, pressure regulators 1213, 1226and hydraulic power unit 1222.

In yet another embodiment, solenoid valves 1212 may be opened to releaseair from the inflatable vertical axis wind turbine 1200. Further,back-pressure regulators 1213 may be used to release the pressuremechanically into the atmosphere when the pressure exceeds a thresholdpressure for the regulator. In some embodiments, the blower 1207 may beused to release air from the inflatable vertical axis wind turbine 1200.

An anemometer 1214 may be provided to measure wind speed. In yet anotherembodiment, a wind vane 1215 may be provided to measure thedirectionality of the wind. In further embodiments, a temperature sensor1216 may be used to measure the ambient air temperature. The ambient airtemperature may be used to compute air density. Since air densityaffects the calibration of the anemometer 1214, and power output of theinflatable vertical axis wind turbine 1200, the temperature measurementmay be used to recalibrate anemometer to correct for changes in ambientair temperature.

In yet further embodiments, an electrical rotary joint 1206 may becoupled to the transmission 1201. The system controller 1203 may becommunicatively coupled to the electrical rotary joint 1206 and fedthrough the main shaft 1218 to provide power to other electrical systemsor components on the vertical axis wind turbine 1200 such as, but notlimited to, sensors, motors, strain gauges, or lighting on theinflatable vertical axis wind turbine.

A hydraulic caliper brake 1217 may be provided to control the speed ofthe main shaft 1218. The hydraulic caliper brake 1217 may be coupled toan air compressor 1219 and held open by compressed air. In oneembodiment, a portable air compressor may be used. Alternatively, astationary air compressor located in a building may be used. A solenoidvalve 1220 may be used to regulate the air pressure from the aircompressor. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to have thehydraulic caliper brake 1217 configured to be in the closed positionwhen the solenoid valve 1220 is closed (or in other words the brake maybe held in the open position by the compressed air when the solenoid isopened), so that if power is lost to the solenoid valve when the systemis running, the hydraulic caliper brake 1217 may engage the brake disk1221 and stop the main shaft 1218.

A hydraulic power unit 1222 may be used to increase the pressure of theair sent from the air compressor to the hydraulic caliper brake 1217.Pressure sensors 1223, 1224 may be used to monitor the pressure of theair from the air compressor and the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulicpower unit. A shut-off valve/quick-exhaust valve 1225 may be included tocut off air to the hydraulic caliper brake 1217 in the event thesolenoid fails and/or for servicing the wind turbine 1200. A filterregulator 1226 may be provided to remove contaminates from thecompressed air.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to have the brake disc 1221 andhydraulic caliper brake 1217 located on the main shaft 1218. If, forexample, the hydraulic caliper brake 1217 was located on the motor andthe connection between the transmission and motor failed, then thehydraulic caliper brake 1217 would no longer be able to stop the mainshaft 1218. By placing the brake disc 1221 on the main shaft 1218, thesystem may be stopped regardless of whether the connection between thetransmission 1201 and motor 1204 failed. Note that this does not limitthe use of the hydraulic caliper brake to only the main shaft and thehydraulic caliper brake may be used at other locations on thetransmission or on the motor.

A motor drive 1227 may be provided. The motor drive 1227, in someembodiments, may be a four quadrant servo-amplifier. In someembodiments, the motor drive 1227 controls power to and from the DC busof the system controller 1203. The motor drive may use a standard RS232signal to communicate with the DC bus of the system controller 1203.However, in some embodiments, the motor drive 1227 may use ananalog/digital signal to communicate with the DC bus of the systemcontroller 1203. A resolver 1236 may be rotatably coupled to the motor1204 and communicatively coupled to the motor drive 1227. The resolver1236 may measure the position of the motor 1204 and transmit this datato the motor drive 1227. Using the rotational speed of the motor and thetorque measurements from the load gauge 1202, the overall powergeneration of the system may be calculated. A shunt resistor 1228 may beconnected to the motor drive 1227 to convert the output power from themotor 1204 and regulate the DC bus voltage. In some embodiments, theshunt resistor may be located in a water tank for maintaining thetemperature of the shunt resistor 1228, which, in some embodiments, mayprovide cooling to the shunt resistor 1228, and the water may becirculated by a shunt water pump 1232. A shunt cooling fan 1231 such as,but not limited to a radiator may be provided to cool the shunt resistor1228. Current sensors 1230 may be used to measure voltage and current inthe shunt.

In some embodiments, additional power that is not dissipated by theshunt resistor may be transmitted through the high voltage DC bus topower other system components 1233 and the shunt cooling system 1234.Moreover, additional power that is not dissipated by the shunt resistor1228 may be transmitted through the high voltage DC bus to a batterycharger 1235. Using an inverter (not shown) power may be used to chargebatteries such as, but not limited to, a vehicle battery. Alternatively,the inverter may be used to plug the system into an electrical powergrid, so the system may supply power to the grid or to a home.

The system controller 1203 may be programmed to open the solenoid valves1212 to deflate the inflatable vertical axis wind turbine 1200 atcertain wind speeds, in order to prevent buckling. The system controller1203 may also be programmed to turn on the blower 1207 and open thesolenoid valves 1208 to inflate the inflatable vertical axis windturbine 1200 when a particular minimum air speed, necessary to producepower, may be obtained. Moreover, the system controller may beprogrammed to only operate when a certain user-defined threshold ofpower may be produced. The system controller may also be programmed tooperate the motor (and draw power from the system) and rotate theinflatable vertical axis wind turbine 1200 when there is no wind or notenough wind to generate power for the system.

The system controller 1203 may also be programmed to record and storedata such as, but is not limited to, ambient air temperature, windspeed, wind directionality, blower pressure, blades and mast pressure,air compressor pressure, brake pressure, torque generated by thetransmission, shunt current and voltage, motor speed, current andvoltage sent to the battery charger, shunt cooling system, and othersystem components. Based on this data, optimal power outputs may bedetermined for given weather conditions. The system controller 1203 maystore these optimal weather conditions and be programmed to inflateinflatable vertical axis wind turbine 1200 and release the hydrauliccaliper brake 1217 when the optimal conditions are met. The systemcontroller 1203 may also be programmed with heuristic algorithms andattempt to autonomously operate the motor 1204 at various speeds androtate the inflatable vertical axis wind turbine 1200 and measure thepower output for the system at given speeds in order to find the optimalwind turbine speed for producing the maximum power in a given set ofweather conditions.

In some embodiment, wireless communication may be communicativelycoupled to the system controller 1203. In some embodiments, a wirelessrouter (not shown) may be communicatively coupled to the systemcontroller 1203. However, in other embodiments, any type of wirelesscommunications may be used. For illustrative purposes only, the wirelessrouter embodiment is described herein. The wireless router may transmitdata recorded by the system controller to a remote server or computer.In some embodiments, the wireless communications may be between anymachine and the system controller, including, but not limited to, asmart phone, a laptop, a net book, a cell phone, a PDA, etc. In someembodiments, the system controller 1203 may be wirelesslycommunicatively coupled to a remote server and/or a remote controlcenter. However, for illustrative purposes only, a remote computer isdescribed. Some of the data that may be collected and transmittedinclude, but is not limited to, ambient air temperature, wind speed,wind directionality, blower pressure, blades and mast pressure, aircompressor pressure, brake pressure, torque generated by thetransmission, shunt current and voltage, motor speed, current andvoltage sent to the battery charger, shunt cooling system, and othersystem components. Moreover, the wireless router may be coupled to acamera and transmit images and video from the camera to a remotecomputer. Recorded data such as, but not limited to, the voltage and thecurrent in the shunt resistor, may be recorded and plotted against windspeed and weather conditions.

From the remote computer, a user may input commands to the systemcontroller including, but not limited to speed commands for the motor,commands to engage or disengage the hydraulic caliper brake, andcommands to inflate or deflate the inflatable vertical axis windturbine. The wireless router may receive information such as, but notlimited to, weather advisories and the system controller may beprogrammed to inflate or deflate the inflatable vertical axis windturbine or engage or disengage the hydraulic caliper brake based on theinformation.

Display System

Various embodiments of the wind turbine apparatus, systems and methodsdescribed herein may include a mechanism for generating an image on theblades of a wind turbine and/or a display system. The system may utilizethe persistence of vision to generate images as the wind turbinerotates. As the blades of the wind turbine rotate, the display means,coupled to the blades, may be turned on or off in synchronization withthe rotation of the blades. As the blade passes the field of view of anobserver, the display means may be on or off and the observer may seethe image displayed. The image produced by the blade may persist for aperiod of time after the image is shown. As the next blade rotates andpasses by the field of view of the observer, another image may bedisplayed, and the persistence of vision allows the images to appearcontinuous. The images generated may include, but are not limited to,pictures, text, symbols, numbers, the date and time, weather forecasts,traffic information, and advertising.

The system may include a plurality of display means, such as, but notlimited to, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), coupled to theblades or airfoils of the turbine. Moreover, other types of displaymeans may be used, alone or in combination with other display means,including, but not limited to, cathode-ray tubes, organic light-emittingdiodes (OLEDs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma displays, or anyother display means that produce visible light. In various embodiments,the display means may vary in size and color and different combinationsof display means may be used. In addition, the system may be configuredto have any number of displays arranged in any number of rows or columnsnecessary to display an image.

A control system may be used to control the display means. In someembodiments the control system may include, but is not limited to, amicrocontroller communicatively coupled to the display means and a powersupply which may power the display means and the control system. Themicrocontroller may include, but is not limited to, a processor, amemory block, and an I/O block. The connection between themicrocontroller and the display means may be a wired or wirelessconnection in various embodiments. In certain embodiments, the controlsystem and display means may be powered by the energy produced by thewind turbine. With respect to the microcontroller, an algorithm may beprogrammed into the microcontroller to control and adjust when thedisplay means turn on and off, so as to produce an image based onpersistence of vision. The algorithm may also vary when the displaymeans are turned on and off based on the rotation of the turbine, toensure that the image is visible regardless of the speed of the windturbine. The control system may further include a positioning sensorthat detects the position of the wind turbine as it rotates, so as tomeasure the speed of the rotation. The positioning sensor may thentransmit the position and speed data to the microcontroller, to be usedin determining when to turn the display means on and off.

Further, the control system may vary the intensity and brightness of thedisplays based on the time of day to increase the visibility of theimage. The control system may change the images over time based on apre-determined timeframe (i.e. Image A is displayed for 30 minute andthen Image B is displayed for 30 minutes) and/or based on the time ofthe day or the day of the week (i.e. Image A is displayed between 12:00AM to 11:59 AM and Image B is displayed from 12:00 PM to 11:59 PM).

Although an image may be generated when the wind turbine is rotating, inalternative embodiments, an image may be generated when the wind turbineis not rotating. In such embodiments, the display means may generate astationary image or the image may “move” along the displays (i.e. textmay scroll across the display means).

In various embodiments, the microcontroller may be communicativelycoupled to a remote device such as, but not limited to, a remotecomputer, mobile device, and/or router. A user may use the remote deviceto transmit commands to the microcontroller, such as but not limited to,commands to changing the image shown, and/or commands to turn off thedisplay means. Further, the remote device may receive data from themicrocontroller.

Persistence of vision refers to a visual phenomenon that is responsiblefor the continuity of rapidly presented visual images. When an image ispresented to the human eye, there is a brief retinal persistence of thefirst image. If a second image is shown rapidly after the first, thebrain is unaware of the momentary lapse between images due to thepersistence of the first image. The persistence of the first image fillsin the momentary lapse between the first and second image, therebymaking the images appear continuous. This phenomenon is what allows forthe images in animation, movies, and television to seem continuous.Persistence of vision may also allow for images to be displayed onrotating objects.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a method, system and apparatus of generatingan image on the blades of a wind turbine is shown. The system may beinclude, in some embodiments, at least one/a plurality of displaymeans/mechanisms 1400. In one embodiment, the display means 1400includes at least one/a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs)coupled to the blades of a wind turbine. Moreover, other types ofdisplay means may be used, alone or in combination, including, but notlimited, cathode-ray tubes, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs),liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and/or plasma displays. In addition, invarious embodiments, the system may be configured to have any number ofdisplays arranged in any number of rows or columns necessary to displayan image.

A control system 1401 may also be used to control the sequencing of thedisplay means. 1400. The control system 1401 may include amicrocontroller 1402 for sequencing the display means 1400, and powersupply 1403 for the display means and microcontroller. Themicrocontroller may further include a processor, a memory block, and anI/O block. In some embodiments, the control system 1401 and displaymeans 1400 may be powered by the energy produced by the wind turbine1406. In some embodiments, the means of generating an image on theblades of a wind turbine may be integrated into other control systemssuch as, but not limited to, the control system described herein. Insuch embodiments, the display means 1400 may be communicatively coupledto and controlled by the system controller, for example, in someembodiments, the controller may be as shown as 1203 in FIG. 12B.Further, in some embodiments, the display means may be powered by a highvoltage DC bus, shown as 1233 in FIG. 12O or it may be powered by aseparate power supply. In some embodiments, the methods/mechanisms/meansof generating an image on the blades of a wind turbine is not limited tobeing used in conjunction with the vertical wind turbines describedherein and may be used on any vertical or horizontal wind turbine.

As the blades rotate, the display means may be turned on or off insynchronization with the rotation of the blades, so as to form an imagebased on the persistence of vision. As a blade passes the field of viewof an observer, the display means may be on or off, depending on theimage displayed. The image produced by the blade may persist for aperiod of time. As the next blade rotates and passes by the field ofview of the observer, another image may be displayed, and thepersistence of vision allows the images to appear continuous. In someembodiments, the image produced may be any one or more images,including, but not limited to, images of text, pictures, and/or symbols.Further, the microcontroller may be programmed into the control systemto adjust when the display means turn on and off, so as to produce animage based on persistence of vision. The algorithm may also vary whenthe display means are turned on and off based on the rotational speed ofthe turbine, to ensure that the image is visible regardless of the speedof the wind turbine. The microcontroller may be used to change the imageof text, picture, and symbols based on user input or the microcontrollermay be pre-programmed to automatically adjust or change the image.Although the system described may be used to generate images while theturbine is rotating, in some embodiments, an image may be generated alsoand/or when the wind turbine is stationary. In such embodiments, thedisplay means may generate a stationary image or the image may “move”along the displays (i.e. text may scroll across the display means).

In some embodiments, the system may further include a positioning sensor1404 that detects the position of the wind turbine as it rotates, so asto measure the speed of the rotation. The positioning sensor may thentransmit the position and speed data to the microcontroller, to be usedin determining when to turn the display means on and off. In someembodiments, the microcontroller may be communicatively coupled to aremote device 1405 such as, but not limited to a remote computer, mobiledevice, or router. In some embodiments, the remote device may transmitcommands to the microcontroller and may receive data from themicrocontroller such as, but not limited to, the speed of the windturbine.

Self-Starting System

In various embodiments, a self-starting vertical axis wind turbine maybe used. The system may include a support and airfoils coupled to thesupport. The wind turbine may have any number of airfoils. The airfoilsmay be configured to have a cavity between the upper and lower camberwhich is in fluid communication with the wind, via one or more apertureson the lower or upper camber. Wind may impinge the cavity via theapertures and directly impart a force on the airfoil, thereby rotatingthe airfoil about the support. Furthermore, the airfoil may alsofunction like a lift-type blade and generate lift as the airfoil rotatesabout the support. As such, the turbine is capable of self-startingwithout the use of a motor. It should be noted that the cavity andapertures may be any shape, size or orientation. Further, the shape,size or orientation of the cavity and apertures may vary in variousembodiments depending, for example, but not limited to, the desiredaerodynamic properties of the airfoil. Moreover, the cavity andapertures may be configured to minimize the turbulent wake behind thetrailing edge of the airfoil as it rotates about the support. Note thatin some embodiments, the wind turbine may also use a motor, machine, orother source to self-start.

With respect to the airfoils, in various embodiments, the airfoils mayalso have any shape, size, configuration, or orientation including, butnot limited to, asymmetrical, symmetrical, or flat-bottomedconfigurations. The airfoils may be constructed from a material such as,but not limited, to aluminum or fiberglass. In some embodiments, othermaterials may be used to make the turbine including, but not limited to,any material that may sustain exposure to wind. Further, the airfoilsmay be constructed from multiple sections that are coupled together. Inother embodiments, parts of or the entirety of the rotor may beinflatable.

Lift-Type Rotor

There are two types of vertical axis wind turbines: lift-type anddrag-type. Lift-type rotors typically have at least two airfoils coupledto a support. Generally, an airfoil is designed such that the air thatpasses along the upper camber is at a greater speed than the lowercamber. As a result, a pressure differential is created across theairfoil, thereby generating upward lift. In a lift-type wind turbine, asthe airfoils rotate about the support, the pressure differential createdacross the airfoil will generate lift which will cause the airfoils torotate about the support. However, the rotor must be moving in order togenerate lift. As a consequence, if the rotor is stationary, it cannotgenerate lift and the lift-type rotor cannot self-start regardless ofhow high the wind speed is.

In some embodiments, one method of starting the rotor is to use anexternal force from a motor or other source to start the rotor, at whichpoint the airfoils will rotate and generate lift and the rotor may thenmaintain the rotation without any other external forces being appliedfrom a motor. Another method of self-starting a lift-type rotor is touse blades that can pivot. The blades may be pivoted so that they areperpendicular to the wind, in order to generate drag and start theturbine. However, there are some disadvantages to this approach.Typically, the blade pivot mechanism is complex and cumbersome toassemble and increases the weight on the armature or frame coupling theblade to the central support. Furthermore, sensors may be needed tocontrol the pivot of the blades as it rotates, which can increase thecost and complexity of the system. Some examples of lift-type rotorsinclude Darrieus rotors, and Giromills.

In contrast to lift-type rotors, drag-type rotors are able toself-start. In drag-type rotors, at least two blades are coupled to asupport. The blades are typically flat or curved blades. Incoming windmay impinge the blades of the rotor and directly impart a force on theblades thereby rotating the blades about the support. As such, drag-typerotors can be self-starting without the use of a motor. Described belowis a lift-type vertical axis wind turbine that may self-start withoutthe need for an external force from a motor or other machine to startthe rotor.

Referring to FIGS. 13A-13B, views of one embodiment of a vertical axiswind turbine is shown. In one embodiment, the vertical axis wind turbinemay be comprised support 1300 and at least two airfoils 1301 coupled tothe support 1300, wherein each airfoil has a leading edge 1302, atrailing edge 1303, an upper camber 1304, and a lower camber 1305. Thelower camber may run continuously from the leading edge to the trailingedge and the upper camber may run from the leading edge and extendtoward, but not connect to, the trailing edge. In some embodiments, theupper camber may run continuously from the leading edge to the trailingedge and the lower camber may run from the leading edge and extendtoward, but not connect to, the trailing edge. In some embodiments, thelower camber may run continuously from the leading edge to the trailingedge and the upper camber may run continuously from the leading edge tothe trailing edge.

In some embodiments, a cavity 1306 and may be formed between the upperand lower camber which is in fluid communication with the wind, via oneor more apertures 1307 on the lower or upper camber. When the apertures1307 are facing towards the wind (i.e. as the airfoil is facingleeward), the wind may directly impinge the cavity 1306 via theapertures 1307 on the airfoil and directly impart a force on the cavityand rotate the airfoil. Furthermore, the airfoil may also function likea lift-type blade and generate lift when the airfoil rotates about thesupport. In some embodiments, the wind turbine may also use motor,machine, or other source to self-start.

In some embodiments, the support and airfoils may be completely rigidstructures. In other embodiments, the support and airfoil may becompletely inflatable. In some embodiments, the support and airfoil maybe partially inflatable and partially rigid. Moreover, in variousembodiments, the airfoil may also have any shape, size, configuration,or orientation including, but not limited, asymmetrical, symmetrical,and/or flat-bottomed configurations. In various embodiments, the airfoilmay be constructed from a material such as, but not limited to, aluminumand/or fiberglass. In addition, the airfoils may include at least one,and in some embodiments, a plurality, of subsections that may be coupledtogether via various methods such as, but not limited to, welding.

Although the transmission, mobile transportation unit, display system,and control system described herein may be described in conjunction withthe inflatable vertical wind turbine, it should be noted that theself-starting vertical wind turbine described herein, or any verticalwind turbine, may be also used in conjunction with any or all of thecomponents described herein, including, but not limited to, thetransmission, mobile transportation unit, display system, and/or controlsystem. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, in someembodiments, the support 1300 may be coupled to the platen (shown as 104in FIG. 1) which may be coupled to the transmission (shown as 1201 onFIG. 12I). The control system (as shown in FIG. 12B-O) in someembodiments may be used to control the speed of the wind turbine.

While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it isto be understood by those skilled in the art that this description ismade only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope ofthe invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope ofthe present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown anddescribed herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinaryskill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the presentinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for controlling a vertical axis windturbine, the method comprising: providing a vertical axis rotor;providing a drive system for rotably driving the vertical axis rotor,wherein the rotor is configured to be driven by at least one of the windand the drive system; controlling the drive system, using a controlsystem, to drive the vertical axis rotor based at least in part on inputreceived from the at least one sensor; controlling the inflation anddeflation of the inflatable portion using the control system; andcommanding the drive system to rotatably drive the inflatable portionbased on at least one of wind speed, temperature, and weatherconditions.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing atleast one sensor configured for providing sensor input to the controlsystem.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising providing a rotorcontrol system for controlling the drive system, wherein the controlsystem is configured for receiving sensor input from the at least onesensor.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor isselected from at least one of: a wind speed sensor, a wind directionsensor, an air density sensor, an air pressure sensor, air temperaturesensor, a rotor position sensor, and a torque sensor.
 5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the control system controls the drive system to drivethe vertical axis rotor based at least in part on a preprogrammedcontrol scheme.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the preprogrammedcontrol scheme comprises driving the vertical axis rotor at apredetermined speed for a predetermined time.
 7. The method of claim 5,wherein the preprogrammed control scheme is based at least in part on atime of day.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the preprogrammed controlscheme is based at least in part on a day of a week.
 9. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the method further comprises providing a display systemand a display control system.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein thedisplay system comprises one or more elements selected from thefollowing group: LEDs, OLEDs, LCDs, plasma displays, and cathode-raytubes.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the display control system isthe rotor control system.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the displaycontrol system controls a sequencing of the display.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the display control system controls the sequencing ofthe display at least in part based on input received from a rotorposition sensor.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the display controlsystem controls a brightness of the display.
 15. The method of claim 1,wherein the vertical axis rotor comprises a mast and at least one sail.16. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of the at least onesail is inflatable.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the mast isinflatable.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the mast and at leastone of the at least one sail is inflatable.
 19. The method of claim 15,wherein the method further comprises the act of pneumatically inflatingthe mast and an inflatable sail of the at least one sail.
 20. The methodof claim 19, wherein a pneumatic source performs the pneumaticallyinflating act, wherein the pneumatic source is controlled by the rotorcontrol system and the rotor control system controls the pneumaticsource at least in part based on input from the at least one sensor. 21.The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises storingenergy in a battery generated by the vertical axis wind turbine.
 22. Themethod of claim 21, wherein the battery is further configured to provideenergy to power at least in part the drive system.
 23. The method ofclaim 21, further comprising the act of powering the display system fromthe battery.
 24. The method according to claim 1, further comprising theacts of: controlling the inflation and deflation of the inflatableportion; and commanding the device to rotatably drive the inflatableportion based on at least one of wind speed, temperature, and weatherconditions.
 25. The method according to claim 1, further comprising theact of operatively braking the rotor using a hydraulic brake system toprovide a failsafe brake system.
 26. The method according to claim 1,further comprising the act of connecting a mobile transportation unit tothe device.